BASILAN — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Sunday, February 15, 2026, that its technical wreck divers have recovered three more cadavers from the submerged passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
With the latest recovery, the official death toll from the maritime disaster has climbed to 57, while 293 passengers have been confirmed alive. Authorities said 22 individuals remain missing, as search and recovery operations continue amid challenging underwater conditions.
Ongoing Technical Dive Operations
According to the PCG, the three newly recovered victims—two women and one man—were found inside the wreckage during coordinated underwater search missions conducted by its specialized divers.
The victims were identified based on their clothing and personal belongings:
- One woman wearing a green terno pajama set
- One woman wrapped in an orange-and-black malong
- One man wearing a navy blue coverall and a TITAN-brand wristwatch
Their remains were carefully retrieved and transported for proper identification and forensic examination.
PCG officials said the operations require extreme caution due to limited visibility, strong underwater currents, and the unstable condition of the sunken vessel.
Interagency Validation of Casualties
Authorities emphasized that the casualty figures are the result of joint validation by multiple agencies, including the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM).
These agencies work closely with affected families, who maintain daily coordination with search and rescue teams to verify the identities of victims and survivors.
“The figures are consolidated through continuous validation and coordination with families and partner agencies to ensure accuracy and transparency,” the PCG said in a statement.
Families Await Answers
Relatives of passengers continue to gather near coordination centers in Basilan, anxiously awaiting updates on missing loved ones. Some families have been assisting authorities by providing descriptions of clothing, accessories, and personal items to help with identification.
Local government units and humanitarian groups have also mobilized to provide psychosocial support, food assistance, and temporary shelter to survivors and grieving families.
Search and Recovery to Continue
The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining round-the-clock operations until all missing individuals are located.
“We will continue to deploy our technical divers and maritime assets as long as conditions allow,” the Coast Guard said. “Our priority remains the recovery of the missing and the proper handling of all victims.”
Weather conditions and sea state are being closely monitored, as these factors directly affect diving schedules and safety protocols.
Call for Maritime Safety Review
As the tragedy continues to unfold, maritime authorities reiterated the need for a comprehensive investigation into the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, including possible lapses in safety procedures, vessel seaworthiness, and passenger management.
The PCG said findings from the ongoing inquiry will be used to strengthen maritime regulations and prevent similar disasters in the future.
For now, search teams remain focused on their mission—bringing closure to families and ensuring that no victim is left unrecovered.